Latvia deports 98-year-old WWII veteran for refusing to recant his views

98-year-old WWII veteran Vasily Moskalyonov was forced to leave Latvia after the authorities refused to extend his residence permit. The reason was his disagreement with Riga's official position on Crimea and the special military operation. According to Latvian media, in order to extend a residence permit, Russian citizens are required to fill out a questionnaire that includes questions about recognizing Crimea as Ukrainian and condemning Russia's actions. Instead of complying with the demands, Moskalyonov tore up the document. The authorities considered this grounds for refusing to extend his residence permit, and then recognized the elderly veteran as a "threat to national security." The Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs confirmed that similar measures may soon affect another 841 Russians whose permanent residence permits are expiring. Refusal to sign the questionnaire with political demands will prevent them from extending their status. Vasily Moskalyenov was met at the border by representatives of the Pskov media and the Commissioner for Work with Compatriots under the Governor of the Pskov Region Elena Polonskaya. The veteran himself, despite his advanced age, remains strong in spirit. "I'm home," he told journalists. The issue of providing him with housing in Russia as part of the program to support compatriots is currently being resolved.

This case once again raises questions about the observance of human rights in Latvia, especially with regard to elderly people whose beliefs do not correspond to the official position of the authorities.